Paradise island sells passports to foreigners from £81k in bid to tackle climate change

The scheme is one of several “citizenship by investment” programmes offered by island nations worldwide.

For Nauru, however, the initiative represents a critical funding source as it faces an existential climate threat.

The island is offering passports to foreigners

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Sea levels around Nauru are rising 1.5 times faster than global averages, creating an urgent climate crisis for the island nation.

It is estimated that 90 per cent of the island’s population will need to relocate to higher ground as coastal erosion intensifies.

The government is struggling to fund this mass inland relocation project, which has become increasingly necessary for the nation’s survival.

The passport scheme aims to generate the financial resources needed for this critical infrastructure challenge.

Nauru’s citizenship scheme is among the most affordable globally, costing £145,000 for a family of four.

The programme requires a lump sum of £81,000 for a single applicant, rising to just £85,000 for a family of four.

Additional processing and due diligence fees bring the total per-head cost for a family to approximately £36,000.

Notably, applicants need not establish prior residency on the island, and interviews can be conducted online.

Nauru’s scheme compares favourably with other island nations offering citizenship by investment.

Vanuatu charges £158,000 for a family of four, plus applicants must show proof of at least £192,000 in funds.

Sea levels around Nauru are rising 1.5 times faster than global averages

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Caribbean options are more expensive, with St Kitts and Nevis requiring £218,000 or property worth £250,000.

Antigua and Barbuda’s programme starts at £202,000 for a family of four, while Dominica offers citizenship for £210,000 or through purchasing property worth at least £155,000.

Nauru is one of the world’s smallest countries, measuring just eight square miles, with only the Vatican City and Monaco being smaller in land area.

Once wealthy from phosphate mining, Nauru now has the world’s smallest GDP at around £90m. The island receives minimal tourism, with only about 200 visitors annually.

Travel connections are limited, with infrequent flights to the island. The nation also faces significant health challenges, being the most overweight country globally.